Monsignor Jakub Walenty Jan Pacholski

Monsignor Jakub Walenty Jan Pacholski 1862 Pączewo - 1932 Winona

Better known to his parishioners as "James W.J. Pacholski," he studied at Pelplin and Wejherowo, and studied for the priesthood at Leuven, Belgium. After emigration to the United States, he completed his studies at Saint Thomas Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he was ordained on June 18, 1886. Just one month after his ordination, Reverend Pacholski was called upon to organize Holy Cross Parish in Minneapolis. He served as pastor there until 1894. He was then transferred to serve as pastor of Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish, in Winona. This growing parish had experienced a good deal of turmoil in recent years, and it is clear that Reverend Pacholski was expected to bring some needed order, which he did. For almost thirty years his iron will and loving heart made him the unquestioned leader of Winona's Kashubian Polish community, and won him the admiration of Winona's civic leadership. One of his famous statements was "You are born Polish, raised Catholic, and die American." He was elevated to the rank of Monsignor in 1918 and labored on until his sudden death in the rectory on 27 July 1932. Around 2,000 mourners attended his funeral, including 100 fellow priests.